Johnson: We deserved luck in derby

GLEN Johnson believes Liverpool deserved their luck in the win over Everton and claims the result can help Rafa Benitez's side to belatedly punch their weight this term.

England defender Johnson hailed the 2-0 victory at Goodison Park as a turning point in a season of struggle and backed his team-mates to embark on a winning run.

Liverpool moved up into fifth place in the Premier League after Joseph Yobo's own-goal and Dirk Kuyt's first strike in 13 games helped lift the pressure on Benitez, whose side had crashed out of the Champions League in the build-up. "We've had two clean sheets on the spin now and hopefully we have got a platform to build on," said Johnson.

"We know we haven't had the results that people associated with this club expect, but there is no better place to start picking up points than Goodison.

"This result might end up being the turning point of our season. We want to get on a good run now and we have a platform to build upon.

"The first goal against Everton was the first time we've had a little bit of luck in a while. The lads are working as hard as they can all week, so maybe they deserve that luck. Now it's up to us to make the most of it."

Johnson added his voice to the tributes for goalkeeper Pepe Reina, whose superb double save from Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini preserved Liverpool's lead at a time when Everton were pushing to restore parity.

"That save was amazing," said Johnson. "If either Cahill or Fellaini had scored, it could have been a different story.

"Pepe is a Spanish international on merit and deserves recognition every time he plays. He's certainly one of the best that I have ever played with."

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